10 Choice Cars for First Dates

2015 Lexus RC

Choice cars for first dates

In Spring a young man's fancy turns to... well you know. What you drive on a first date can have a big effect on that all-important first impression.

2015 Cadillac Escalade

You can only make one first impression

There’s truth to the saying you can only make one first impression. So making a good first impression with someone you might want to spend the rest of your life with should be a top priority, right? While some might spurn the idea of driving altogether, for the most part, cars play an important part in dating, especially if those dates take you places where transit or cabs don’t reach. Here are our 10 choices for making that first date one to remember.

2015 Ford Mustang

2015 Ford Mustang

While it would be easy to dismiss the 2015 Ford Mustang at first glance as nothing new, those in the know will find plenty to appreciate. The body is larger and more spacious both for driver and passengers, and the interior finishings are much less embarrassing than before.

2015 Ford Mustang

2015 Ford Mustang

It still looks like a Mustang from the outside, but the new independent rear suspension makes a huge improvement in how it drives, both when you’re pushing and just tooling around. Although the optional 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder is plenty powerful, choosing the 435-horsepower 5.0-litre V-8 is easier on the ears.

2015 Ram 1500

2015 Ram 1500

Some might shake their heads at this one, but given how popular pickup trucks are on both sides of the border, it makes sense to include at least one in this group. And of them all, the Ram 1500 gets the nod, mainly because it is the only pickup available with driver-adjustable air suspension that can be lowered to ease step-in height.

2015 Ram 1500

2015 Ram 1500

The Ram still offers class-leading cabin design and in higher trims gets swanky materials and finishing. And while the optional turbo-diesel 240-horsepower V-6 can sound clattery on the outside, it would allow for one of the longest dates thanks to its fantastic range.

2015 Audi A7

2015 Audi A7

A beautiful shape that happily coddles and impresses. Not as subtle as the larger A8 sedan nor as crazy as the quicker S7 and RS7, and its standout roofline makes it more interesting on the eye. Its interior is nearly as remarkable with beautiful finishes and features including those awesome retractable tweeters on ones equipped with the Bang and Olufsen audio system.

2016 Audi A7

2016 Audi A7

The supercharged V-6 is plenty quick enough with 333 horsepower, especially if you’re only going from one location to another, although turbo-diesel V-6 is happy with long-distance cruising.

2015 BMW i8

2015 BMW i8

Who would have ever pictured BMW being the one to make a three-cylinder hybrid vehicle not only amazing to drive, but beautiful too? The i8’s form had been previewed for years by several successive concepts, but even in production trim it’s extremely radical. The butterfly-style doors open on an incredibly futuristic cabin that’s both luxurious and reasonably spacious.

2015 BMW i8

2015 BMW i8

The i8 uses a pair of electric motors on the front wheels, while a third assists the mid-mounted gas engine in powering the rears. The 1.5-litre three-cylinder, found in the Mini Cooper of all places, is put under extreme pressure from an uprated turbocharger. The whole package produces 357 horsepower but can get Prius-equalling efficiency numbers.

2015 Mercedes-Maybach S600

2015 Mercedes-Maybach S600

The Maybach name returns, although rather than being a standalone vehicle and brand, the badges now get applied to the top-level trim on the year-old Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The S600 Maybach is one of the few cars on this list where being a passenger is more enticing thanks to luxurious reclining rear seats that not only are warmed or cooled, but also offer various levels of massage. There’s an onboard fridge for chilling the beverage of your choice, and the Burmester stereo id one of the world’s clearest and most expensive audio systems ever put in an automobile.

2015 Mercedes-Maybach S600

2015 Mercedes-Maybach S600

If you are the one “stuck” driving, you’ll enjoy the twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 with well over 500 horsepower. The level of active and passive driving assists mean little effort at actually piloting the Maybach is required.

2015 Lexus RC

2015 Lexus RC

This is definitely going to be a love-it-or-hate-it, but the divisive appearance of the Lexus RC is well worth the risk. Why? Typically-high levels of craftsmanship and features, and that big L badge holds plenty of appeal. Much better proportions than the old IS C, although a new convertible is surely coming soon.

2015 Lexus RC

2015 Lexus RC

The rear-drive 350 version with 330 horsepower is the one to have, although the tighter ride and faster reactions of the vocal V-8-powered RC F would be appreciated by some. Either way, it's a more left-field option than the typical Audi A5 or BMW 4 Series.

2015 Tesla Model S

2015 Tesla Model S

There exists a big segment of the population for whom cars powered by gasoline or diesel just aren’t attractive. That’s why a Tesla Model S would be an impressive choice: all the space, style and luxury of a near full-size automobile with much less guilt involved. It’s the only pure electric that would be happy traveling any real distance without worrying about finding a charging station along the way.

2015 Tesla Model S

2015 Tesla Model S

People tend to forget that the Model S is more than just a nice-looking vehicle. It’s enjoyable to drive too, with several battery sizes and motor outputs that provide serious performance. And the new twin-motor P85 D version offers all-wheel drive as well, something appreciated during Canadian winters.

2015 Cadillac Escalade

2015 Cadillac Escalade

Sure, the Escalade is often used as the punchline of a joke about Cadillac’s fortunes, but with the latest versions on roads now, the big three-row SUV is worth the money. While previous Escalades shared interior bits with lesser Chevrolets, the 2015 has a completely unique cabin that’s dripping with luxury. Soft leathers and nice wood veneers are well integrated, as are real metal bits scattered throughout.

2015 Cadillac Escalade

2015 Cadillac Escalade

Under the hood, the 420-horsepower 6.2-litre V-8 rumbles aggressively, while standard magnetic ride control does a good job of isolating the heavy rear axle. There’s even a sport mode that makes it feel nearly as tied down as its European rivals, although in such a cruiser it seems unnecessary.

2015 Infiniti Q70L

2015 Infiniti Q70L

Infiniti’s refreshed top-line sedan gets something to differentiate itself from its German competitors: an available long-wheelbase version. The stretched L puts all that extra space into the rear cabin, giving serious comfort to those in the back seat. And, since the L only comes one way – fully loaded – there are few things those passengers will want for.

2015 Infiniti Q70L

2015 Infiniti Q70L

The Q70L exclusively uses a 5.6-litre V-8 with 416 horsepower, seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, but still remains isolating from other distractions.

2015 Range Rover Long Wheelbase

2015 Range Rover Long Wheelbase

Sky’s the limit, right? If the levels of comfort and class afforded by a ‘regular’ Range Rover aren’t enough, why not go even more upscale with a long-wheelbase version? The cabin is as opulent as you’ll find anywhere with beautifully chosen materials, and the outside is nearly as ostentatious. The Range Rover’s exterior isn’t quite as dramatic, but will still turn heads appropriately.

2015 Range Rover Long Wheelbase

2015 Range Rover Long Wheelbase

Given its extreme price tag, the Range Rover LW uses its most extreme powertrain too, including a 510-horsepower supercharged 5.0-litre V-8 and the most sophisticated four-wheel-drive system around. You’ll never be late for a dinner date again.